Richmond "arm yourselves" flyer sparks Youngkin, police response

The latest: Richmond police don't know who put them up or why yet, RPD spokesperson James Mercante tells Axios.

• But Mercante confirmed that officers have spotted "several" around the Fourth Precinct, which includes parts of Northside, Museum District and Scott's Addition.
• RPD hasn't received direct threats against local officers, Mercante noted.

Context: A photo of the flyer first began circulating online last week, but the post drew wider attention after a shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas on Wednesday.

• Youngkin commented on the flyer in an X post the same day as the shooting, which killed one detained immigrant and injured two others.
• He accused the flyer, which declares "the time for nonviolent action is over," of encouraging the same type of violence seen in Texas.
• He also said federal and state law enforcement are investigating the matter.

What they're saying: "Make no mistake," wrote Youngkin. "If you threaten law enforcement in Virginia with violence we will find you and prosecute you."

Zoom out: The uproar comes as Trump administration officials and allies have blamed anti-law enforcement and "radical left" rhetoric for the Dallas attack, though local police have not confirmed a motive.